The Spotlight: Pink Sugar Dots

You know those fantabulous products that you need to have but never knew it...until you see it? Well, The Spotlight will feature these items. These are products that I have fallen in "gift love" with and have the obligation to share with you!

The first spotlight is the stationary of Pink Sugar Dots (http://www.pinksugardots.com/) and I found them online this past summer. Sorry for the delay in sharing but the time is right!

Pink Sugar Dots features note card collections for the fantabulous. Delina Breeding, owner of Pink Sugar Dots creates paper goods for the fashionable and free-spirited. She includes calling cards (aka business cards), invites to birthday parties, bridal showers and general cards for a special note.

Here are a few examples:


The prices are reasonable and listed on her website. Check out her creativeness and support a local artisan. Her cards are truly works of art.

Gift Tip #1

There will always be the surprise dinner your spouse forgets to tell you about or the birthday you forgot (oops) so it is always good to have a stash of gifts in your home. Every now and again I will share a gift tip that will make your life easier...and come in handy for last minute gift options.

The first tip I will share with you is to always keep a few bottles of wine in your home to share as a hostess gift, birthday present or some other occasion that warrants a gift.

Most of us keep a bottle or two around the home but to make the gift extra special also keep wine bags too. Wine bags can be found in various wine stores as well as your local Target. Wine bags are the extra step and show that the gift was thought about more than just coming with a naked bottle. Of course, attaching a note would just be the icing on the cake.

Go Red For Women and shop for a good cause

February may be the shortest month of the year but it has alot going on! Not only is it Black History Month and it's also Heart Month.

During this month, the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women cause initiative kicked off throughout the Charlotte metro area. This initiative encourages everyone to share the message of awareness and action regarding women and heart disease.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women and men. According to the American Heart Association, diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system claim nearly one million lives per year—one life every 36 seconds. That’s more people annually than the next four most common causes of death combined.

One way people can help this month is by supporting local businesses who are going red. More than 70 retailers in Charlotte are participating in the month-long awareness campaign by offering special events and deals.

Stores are in Ballantyne Village, The Shops at Blakeney, Piper Glen, Promenade on Providence, Stonecrest, Phillips Place, Morrison and Speciality Shops on the Park are offering special promotions and deals. All places have Go Red ballot boxes for customers to sign up for a $1,000 shopping spree.

For more information call 704-208-5513 or visit goredforwomen.org.

Happy New Year!

Not really a gifting post...more of a well-wishes post!

I am wishing everyone happiness, peace, love and a prosperous New Year! There were some monumental things that have happened in 2009 that I will remember for the rest of my life. No matter what your party affiliation the most memorable moment of 09' was the first African American President, Barack Obama. History has been made and such ground breaking moments should be the foundation for our own ground breaking moments...whether it is connecting with family more, starting a new business, traveling or taking that pottery class you have been wanting to try ,we should know there is nothing we cannot do!

For me, a new year signifies a new beginning and the gusto to "Just do it" whatever it may be. For 2010, I am hoping for the best of the best for you and me!

That's it...carry on:)

The Gift of Fitness

Well I am gearing up for a vacation....which involves a swimsuit so the thought of fitness *popped* in my mind (smile). Here are a few gifts for fitness...helping to get your body in gear and of course your health on track.

#1: Jumprope: Besides walking, I think jumping rope is an easy way to get in a workout that really shows results quickly.

To buy: http://www.target.com/; http://www.walmart.com/; http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/. Pretty much everywhere!

#2: Mio Motiva Petite Fitness Watch

Here are three key features:

-Women's-specific fitness watch measures heart rate and calories burned
-ECG-accurate fingertip sensors – no chest strap required
-Includes stopwatch, alarm and time/day/date/month

To purchase: http://www.llbean.com/

#3:

Fitness Videos...when you can't make it to the gym. One of my faves...TaeBo. Everyone say it with me: Double time!

#4: An outfit! Why not look good and feel good?

Some places to check out: www.underarmour.com

Of course check out www.nike.com, www.reebox.com, etc for more fitness wear and sneakers.

Last but not least a bag to put all your stuff in....

#5: Gaiam Everything Fits Bag

www.gaiam.com, $60

Get fit!!

From a short hiatus to a Sephora discount

Sorry that I took a bit of a hiatus! My day job has been very busy and I took a long weekend to visit family! I hope today's discount will make up for my lapse in blogging:)

Check out Sephora.com for free shipping when spending $50 or more...it's easier than you may think! Also, become a Beauty Insider to get free deluxe samples and more. Sephora has so many great items its hard to choose just one but one of my "must-haves" is the Sephora brand Coconut Body Wash..check it out: http://www.sephora.com/ The items in Sephora could be a guy gift (cologne), girl gift (everything else..smile...for example the perfume, the body gels, and of course the motherload of make-up)

Happy Shopping!

Aveda offering

Check out aveda.com and get free shipping for orders over $25. You must use the code: SCHOOL88 and checkout to receive the offer.

P.S: My favorite Aveda product is the hand relief lotion...it works great!

Happy Shopping!